Unlocking genius and your creative potential
For years, I’ve been fascinated by the concept of genius—not as something lofty or exclusive, but as something we all possess if we choose to tap into it. Traditionally, the term “genius” conjures up names like Einstein, Da Vinci, and Picasso—men whose accomplishments we revere, often only posthumously. But what if genius isn’t reserved for a select few? What if it’s simply a way of thinking and engaging with the world that’s available to all of us?
After 23 years of studying how adults learn, I’ve come to believe that genius isn’t about being born extraordinary. Instead, it’s about developing certain mindsets and habits that open us up to new possibilities. Let’s unravel the mystery and explore what genius really means.
Breaking Down Genius: What It Is (and Isn’t)
Historically, the study of genius has had its flaws. Scholars have often analyzed the lives of so-called “geniuses” retroactively, identifying common traits among men like Einstein or Da Vinci and labeling these as the hallmarks of genius. For instance, because both men were visual thinkers, the conclusion was drawn that “geniuses make their thought visible.” While this may be partially true, it’s hardly the whole story.
Similarly, we’ve been told that geniuses are incredibly productive. But isn’t that more a description of their output rather than an explanation of how they think? These limited definitions don’t help us unlock our own potential.
Instead, let’s focus on qualities of genius that are actionable and inspiring:
Five Qualities of Genius We Can All Cultivate
- Seeing Problems from Multiple Angles
Geniuses don’t get stuck in one-way thinking. They rise above situations, exploring problems from different perspectives. This openness allows them to discover solutions others might miss. - Making Connections Between Dissimilar Things
The ability to hold seemingly opposing ideas and find a connection between them is a hallmark of genius. It requires a tolerance for ambiguity and a willingness to dwell in the unknown until insights emerge. - Thinking Metaphorically
Metaphors bridge the gap between unrelated concepts, creating new ways of understanding. As physicist Niels Bohr suggested, holding opposites together allows the mind to move to a higher level. Thinking metaphorically can unlock insights that linear thinking never could. - Playing with Ideas
Geniuses approach concepts and ideas with a sense of playfulness, juggling elements into unusual combinations and exploring wild hypotheses. This playful experimentation often leads to groundbreaking discoveries. - Staying Open to the Unexpected
Genius thrives on openness. It’s about setting aside preconceived notions, embracing curiosity, and being willing to learn—even when it challenges what we think we know. This openness creates fertile ground for creativity and discovery.
The Genius of Creative Thinking
What’s striking about these qualities is how closely they align with the creative process. Genius isn’t about IQ or thinking harder—it’s about stepping out of familiar patterns and opening yourself to new possibilities. Even Richard Feynman, considered one of the most brilliant physicists of the 20th century, had a relatively average IQ of 122. His genius lay in his ability to approach problems with curiosity, playfulness, and an openness to the unexpected.
In my book, Getting Messy, I explore many of these qualities. Chapter Two dives into the importance of openness in learning, Chapter Three delves into metaphorical thinking and imagination, and Chapter Six focuses on bridging polarities to reach expanded ways of thinking. These concepts are at the heart of tapping into your own genius.
Unlocking Your Inner Genius
What if we all embraced the idea that genius is within reach? Instead of striving for perfection or brilliance, we could focus on cultivating qualities like curiosity, openness, and metaphorical thinking. By stepping out of our habitual thought patterns and into the fertile field of creativity, we can unlock new possibilities—not just for ourselves but for the world around us.
It’s 3:18 AM as I write this. Maybe now I can finally get some sleep…
Sources:
- “A Theory about Genius” article by Michael Michalko
- How to Think Like Leonard da Vinci by Michael Gelb
